Saving Grace by Aimee Eberle

The word honest is used a lot when it comes to memoir writing. But I think, so often, it is mis-used. Honest is not perfect. Honest is not pretty. Honest is not tied up with a pretty satin bow. Honest is messy. Honest is raw and uncomfortable. In my opinion "Saving Grace" is one of the most honest books I have ever read about an eating disorder. In this book, Aimee Eberle weaves together her own diary entries along with those of her daughter, Grace. Together these accounts and other memories form the picture of a family struggling. It is not only Grace and Aimee's struggle, but also the path that their entire family must navigate including a father, two brothers, and an older sister. Anorexia can be sneaky and secretive. There is a scene when the family goes out for a frozen dessert after dinner, and one of the brothers says, "Grace threw hers under a car," in order to stop herself from eating it. Heartbreaking, the family must navigate Grace's struggles together, while trying desperately to support her, heal her, and keep her alive. Through doctors, hospitals, and inpatient treatment programs, together they build an army of care. "Saving Grace" is a beautiful, and yes honest book, that explores, from the inside, how a family wages a battle, and ultimately, victoriously wins. To buy this book on Amazon click here.